School security guard suspended over use of force

EDINBURG — An Edinburg middle school security guard is on paid suspension after using handcuffs on a "special needs" student after school earlier this week, the school district's legal counsel said Friday.

Myriad authorities are investigating whether the security guard at Francisco Barrientes Middle School applied too much force to the student about 4 p.m. Wednesday, said Jacques Treviño, an attorney for the Edinburg school district.

Treviño did not release the security guard's name, citing privacy issues. He also refused to detail the circumstances that led the guard to have physical contact with the student or how the handcuffs were used.

"There are some children that have emotional disabilities," Treviño said. "This is why we have regulations and state laws and procedures that our employees go through that they use in restraining these children in the appropriate manner."

A security camera captured the incident, which occurred in a courtyard area at the school at 1100 E. Ebony Lane. Treviño remained mum on other details, citing the ongoing investigation.

The security guard could face termination and even criminal charges, among other possible consequences, if authorities find he used too much force, Treviño said. School district police, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the school district itself are all investigating, he added.

The security guard was not a licensed police officer, but he is accountable to the school system's police department, Treviño said.

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Sean Gaffney covers business, the economy and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956) 683-4434.